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Causes

There is no single cause of eating disorders.

Eating disorders are
caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Several
predisposing factors can influence their development. The issues
include low self-esteem, feeling a lack of control over one’s life, or
being in an environment or culture that emphasizes thinness or a
specific body type. Also, a history of depression, anxiety, or
substance abuse may increase the potential for developing eating
disorders. The Academy for Eating Disorders notes that some studies suggest there is a genetic link to eating disorders.

Other studies have found that lower levels of brain chemicals, such as serotonin, may be involved. An Academy of Eating Disorders
position paper states, “emerging science … affirms with a reasonable
degree of medical and scientific certainty that eating disorders are
significantly heritable [and] influenced by alterations of brain
function.”

Risk factors

Risk factors

Gender: Girls
in their teens and young women face a higher likelihood of developing
eating disorders compared with male teens and young men.

Age:
Eating disorders are more common during the teenage years and into the
early 20s, although they are also seen in people both much younger and
much older. Familial environment: Those whose families
make teasing remarks about appearance or are overly critical tend to be
at higher risk of disordered eating.

Psychological factors: Depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders can play a role in the development of eating disorders.

Life’s changes:
Changes such as starting college, getting a new job, moving, or
breaking up from a significant relationship can be upsetting. One way
of coping in uncontrollable situations is to grab on to something one
can control, such as weight or eating behaviors. If taken too far,
changed eating habits can lead to an eating disorder. Sports, arts, entertainment: Athletes,
dancers, actors, television personalities and others in the media,
sports, or entertainment are at increased risk of developing eating
disorders. Coaches and parents may unintentionally contribute to
disordered eating by encouraging athletes to “just shed a few pounds.”
Images in the media, too, can play an influential role, where
significant emphasis is placed on body shape and size.

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